The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1887-02-24
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER.

WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. 81, 1857
The widely circulated rumor to the effect
that Mr.. Manning's resignation was
brought about by rupture between the
Secretary and the President has been
effectually disposed of by the publication
of the correspondence between them
upon the subject. The truth is doubtless
as Mr.. Manning states in his letter. he
found that the close attention necessary
in the discharge of his official duties was
task beyond his strength. His friends,
who bad observed that his health was
being affected by his close application,
have continued to urge that he should
resign, and it is known that he has had
the matter in contemplation for some
time past.
The air is filled with conjectures in
relation to the new Secretary of the
Treasury, and very large number of
names have been suggested as persons
likely to receive the appointment. 1t
has been intimated that the President
seriously contemplates offering the port
folio to his old law partner, Wilson S.
Bissell, who is said to possess qualities
which eminently fit him for the position.
The President has been somea hat sur.
prised at the number of candidates that
have appeared for the five positions as
Commissioner in the Interstate Com.
merce Commission. He is determined TO
satisfy himself about the capacity of the
men before making the appointments.
Notwithstanding the fact that but a
limited time remains to the present Con-
gress, and several of the appropriation
bills are as yet unacted upon, there is no
real foundation for the report that an
extra session of Congress is likely to be
called. The best informed members of
Congress believe that no session will be
called, as nothing but failure to pass
the regular appropriation bills before the
4th of March would necessitate it. The
unsettled question of Treasury surplus,
important as it is, would not, in itself,
occasion the calling of an extra session,
as the surplus will be largely absorbed
before the opening of the session in De.
cember in redeeming the remainder Of
the three per cent. bonds, and in putting
about s45, 100000 into the Sinking Fund
to be used in redeeming the four per
cent. bonds.
The historic city of Alexandria, which
it will be remembered was, in ante 5ellun,
days, celebrated as the principal ship.
building point in the South, bids fair to
regain her former prominence. The old
ship yards, which have been for go many
years idle, will soon be transformed into
a scene of activity such as was prob
ably never equalled. even in the palmy
days of the past. The yards have been
purchased by the Arrow Steamship Com
pauy of New York City, who will put
force of 5000 men at work upon the first
day of April. The company will at that
time commence the construction of the
largest trans Atlantic iron steamship that
was ever built upon this side of the At
lantic. The vessel will be $40 feet in
length, with tonnage Of 5000. In the
construction of the vessel every effort
will be made to obtain the greatest pos.
sible speed. The vessel when completed
will constitute one of feet of fifteen
ocean racers which will be built by the
company. II.